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A hachimaki is a stylized headband, usually made of red or white cloth, worn as a symbol of perseverance or effort by the wearer. These are worn on many occasions, for example, by women giving birth, students in cram school, expert tradesmen taking pride in their work, and even rioters. They are generally decorated with inspirational slogans or motifs.

Historical Hachimaki (OOC)

The historical origin of hachimaki is uncertain. One theory links the cloth to those worn by early religious ascetics. Another theory states that they originated in headbands worn by samurai that kept their helmets on, to absorb perspiration, and keep hair out of their eyes. "Hachimaki" translates as "helmet-scarf." Putting on a hachimaki is generally equated to the Western gesture of rolling up one's sleeves, i.e. getting serious and beginning to do the work.